A message to learning organisations: ‘Please, ideas and innovation management!!’

Abstract

A learning organisation is an organisation that supports a philosophy in which a learning culture and the extension of learning forms a cornerstone. the results thereof are continual adaptation and renewal of the existing situation. During the process of learning, which is aimed at the future, the existing paradigms are questioned and a strong notion for creativity starts to appear. A philosphy, however, is not enough to establish a learning organisation. It will only happen when philosophy is operationalised into action and activities. To be able to achieve this certain skills are required, viz. idea generation, problem solving, experimentation, learning frm previous experience, and the ability to distribute knowledge quickly and effectively through the organisation. The ideas and innovation management programme (IIM programme) is an ideal instrument by which the trained skills, which are necessary for a learning organisation, can be used. A good administered IIM programme creates the right climate and w...